World atlas of satellites

Features of the 17 services offered by planned or operational satellites in geostationary earth orbit (GEO) are described. The orbital inclinations, controlling organizations, and frequency bands employed by the 143 spacecraft in GEO as of 1979 are provided, together with the typical operational parameters of the 6/4 GHz transmitters and receivers. The spacecraft have nominal design lifetimes of 10-15 yr and employ FDM-FM, digital, SCPC, and video transmission techniques. Attention is given to the technology developments affecting GEO satellite system characteristics and the capacity of the GEO. Intersatellite service is characterized, as are frequency allocations and applications, and the space operation service involving frequency bands dedicated to the telemetry, tracking, and telecommand of spacecraft. Consideration is given to mobile satellite services, satellite broadcasting services, and satellite navigation, earth exploration, and positioning services. Finally, meteorological, standard frequency and time signal, and space research satellite services are explored, noting that the latter do not usually use GEO positions.